Virginia WWI and WWII Commemoration Commission

Do you have an ancestor who fought in World War 1? History buffs will enjoy this informative and accessible exploration of World War 1 from a political, military and social perspective.

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April 27-28, 2018

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As part of Virginia’s commemoration of the World Wars, this symposium marks the 100th Anniversary of America’s participation in World War I. Join us in the historic setting of Virginia Military Institute in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley as we hear from national and regional experts, who will explore the political and military leadership of World War I, the experiences of the soldiers and generals on the front and the role that Virginians played in the Great War. The symposium will highlight Woodrow Wilson’s and General Pershing’s leadership, examine military strategies and the experiences of the Doughboys, including African-American soldiers’ contributions, and share the crucial role that Virginians played in the Great War, highlighting the contributions of VMI graduates, the Virginia National Guard, and other Virginia institutions to the war effort.

Schedule of Events:

• Friday, April 27, 2018

  • 8:00am  -  Registration Opens

  • 8:30am  -  Trip to Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum (optional)

  • 2:00pm  -  VMI Museum Tour & WW1 Weapons Presentation (optional)

  • 2:00pm  -  George C. Marshall Museum WW1 Exhibit (optional)

  • 5:30pm  -  Welcome and Overview of WW1 to 1917

  • 6:15pm  -  Evening Reception

  • 7:00pm  -  Dinner and Keynote
     

• Saturday, April 28, 2018

  • 7:00am  -  Breakfast

  • 8:30am  -  Leadership and Command at the Strategic Level

  • 10:15am - Operational and Tactical Leadership

  • 12:00pm - Lunch with Speaker

  • 1:15pm  -  Virginia in the Great War

  • 3:15pm  -  Assessing American Leadership and Military Command During WWI

Speakers & Panelists:

Al Barnes   -   Rob Dalessandro   -   Col. Keith Gibson   -   Col. David R. Gray   -   Kelly C. Jordan

Jennifer Keene   -   Edward G. Lengel   -   Williamson Murray   -   Michael Neiberg

Lt. Col. Eric Osborne   -   Lynn Rainville   -   David Woodward